Most of us call them ‘minjii’ which is the Kikuyu name for peas. In Kiswahili, peas are called njegere. And guess what? Botanically, pea pods are fruit, since they contain seeds and develop from the ovary of a (pea) flower. Peas are a good source of protein. They are low in carbs and are packed with nutrients like Vitamin A, C and K. Peas contain minerals such as potassium, magnesium and calcium.
These nutrients in one’s diet may be helpful in preventing high blood pressure, which is a risk factor in heart diseases. Vitamin K and manganese found in peas are great for bone building. The recommended quantity is three grammes, equivalent to a cup of peas, for bone health.
The beauty about peas is that they are available just about anywhere -- from the supermarket to vegetable vendors to vegetable and fruit market. The cost varies from place to place; anything from Sh10 shillings a glass (shelled), which is how most Mama Mbogas sell them, to Sh400 a kilo at supermarkets and upmarket vegetable grocery shops. A 90kg bag at the market goes for about Sh10,000.
Wambui Kuria